Google officials appear before ED in case linked to promotion of "illegal" online betting and gambling platforms
Google executives appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection to a money laundering investigation related to alleged promotion of "illegal" online betting and gambling platforms, reports news agency PTI. The probe agency had called executives of both Google and Meta, first on July 21. The officials then sought more time, citing the need to gather relevant documents and information before they present themselves for questioning and recording of their statements. However, only representatives of Google deposed, the agency said, quoting official sources.
As per the PTI report, ED may have recorded the statement of a designated "compliance officer" of Google under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) in addition to obtaining some documents from the company.
A Google spokesperson told the news agency in a statement last week that the company was "committed to keeping our platforms safe and secure, prohibiting the promotion of illegal gambling ads."
"We are extending our full support and cooperation to investigating agencies to hold bad actors responsible and keep users safe," the spokesperson then added.
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Why ED summoned Meta, Google
The PTI report says that ED is investigating multiple platforms hosting illegal betting and gambling links, and how these companies are able to advertise on various digital and social media platforms. The tech companies were called to explain the mechanisms that allowed such promotions.
The ED is also expected to question several celebrities and sportspersons in connection with the same probe. Earlier this month, actors Prakash Raj, Vijay Deverakonda, and Rana Daggubati and 26 other celebrities were charged by ED for endorsing betting apps. They have been accused of violating the Public Gambling Act, 1867, by promoting such gambling apps.
According to the agency, the platforms under investigation were involved in cheating users and laundering money, with large-scale tax evasion also suspected. The ED is currently handling more than a dozen cases linked to illegal betting apps, including the Mahadev Online Book, which is believed to be run by individuals from Chhattisgarh.
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